If you have children and you’re thinking of launching your own business, you need to start thinking about—and planning for—childcare options. In my opinion, childcare can be one of the biggest obstacles a mompreneur faces!
I understand that many moms choose to launch their own businesses so that they can physically spend more time with their kids. A lot of the moms I interviewed for my book, The Smart Mompreneur, felt this way and several commented that putting their kids in a traditional daycare setting of any sort would completely undermine this goal. I respect this viewpoint, but I also strongly feel that whether you’re looking to run a part-time or a full-time business, you can’t be successful if you constantly have kids screaming in the background, wreaking havoc and running into your office every five minutes!
The reality is that small children are not going to keep quiet during business calls or take naps when you want to get work done. So if small children are a factor in your life, you should start thinking about childcare options as early as possible. You should also be sure to factor any potential childcare costs into your projected monthly income and expense projections. But, the good news is that when you work for yourself and have lots of flexibility, you can often get very creative and arrange childcare for a minimal cost or no cost at all!
When my first daughter was a newborn, I shared a nanny with another freelancer. This option afforded me an extreme level of care at a fraction of the traditional cost. Now that she is older, I’ve enrolled her in daycare three days a week. I found a great retiree that watches my younger daughter at her home while my older daughter is in school. She charges me less than a traditional nanny would since I bring my daughter to her home AND I now have my home office to myself three days a week!
This type of arrangement may or may not work for you, but I will say that these arrangements have consistently provided me with three days per week of quiet, uninterrupted time to focus on my business. On the days that my kids are home with me, I often check e-mail, schedule calls and complete urgent tasks during their naps, but for the most part, I try to limit my work to the days when I have reliable childcare.
Again, what works for me may or may not work for you, so I’m also providing you with a few other creative childcare options to consider:
Create a childcare co-op. A childcare co-op is basically a group of work-at-home parents that swap child-care duties. If you chose this option, keep track of the hours that you watch each child and make sure that everybody gets their fair amount of time. The benefit of this option is that you get free childcare. The downside is that you can’t work while you are watching other people’s children.
Organize a mom-swap. Instead of many people working together within a co-op, a mom-swap is basically you and a friend trading off childcare days. If you chose this option, make sure you set clear boundaries, so neither of you takes advantage of the other. It would also help if your kids get along well. If they don’t, this could be a nightmare.
Share a sitter with a friend. Have a sitter watch both of your children at the same time and split the costs. Here again, make sure that you communicate with your friend to avoid complications.
Barter services in exchange for child care. Pay the person caring for child with your services, rather then your money!
Locate an affordable mother’s morning out program. Many churches offer these programs, and you can enroll in more than one!
Regardless of the option(s) you choose, the bottom line is its important to be sure your children are cared for during the time you plan to work. Spread the word that you are looking for childcare and survey all your options. It may take some time and energy, but your investment will pay off when you find the best and most affordable childcare.
Do you have a creative childcare strategy to share? Post your comments here! I’ll also collate the information into a future post and send the mom with the most creative solution a $20 Starbucks card!
Traci Bisson is somewhat of an ‘an accidental entrepreneur’. She started her own business in August 2000 after the company she worked at for five years suddenly went out of business. When times got tight eight years later, Traci turned to social networking for support.
Lucky for us! When Traci couldn’t find just the right online networking group for her, she started her own site, The Mom Entrepreneur. Today this site is where mompreneurs in the know go for tips, advice and resources on balancing motherhood and running a business.
Read on to learn more…
Moms Helping Moms
An Interview with Traci Bisson
Noelle:
What initially led you to become an entrepreneur?
Traci:
I didn’t purposely set out to be an entrepreneur. In August 2000, the company I had been employed by for 5 years suddenly went out of business. This happened just 8 weeks after I returned from maternity leave – so the timing really could not have been worse. I was broke and unsure what to do but I had always loved to write and so I decided to try to make a go of being a freelance writer.
Noelle:
Wow, sometimes losing your job is the push you need to convince yourself its time to pursue a passion. How were your first months in business?
Traci:
It was tough at first. I spent my meager savings, a total of $18.49, on nice stationary from Staples and launched Bisson Barcelona, a freelance writing and marketing/public relations agency. I found a good niche to service – writers and authors – and ventured very deep into this industry.
Things were pretty stable until 2008, when I began to experience a lot of financial difficulties. It was a scary time and I began looking for ways to network with other mompreneurs who might be experiencing similar challenges. But, since I had small children and really didn’t have the ability to get out of my house, I decided to focus on online networking opportunities.
Noelle:
What type of opportunities did you find back in 2008?
Traci:
Back then I found bits and pieces, of what I was looking for, but not the entire package, so I started trying to put together my own group of mompreneurs. I tried organizing a small local group, but that failed. I don’t think mompreneurs have the time to physically get together and that’s why networking online makes so much sense.
Noelle:
I agree. I was reading recently that mompreneurs are really unique in the way they network and support one another. I am not sure people fully realized this a few years back though, so I think you were a real crusader!
Traci:
Yes, I guess you could say that. In the last couple of years, more communities for mompreneurs have popped up, but I think we are one of the only groups doing things the way we do it.
Noelle:
Have you always been into networking?
Traci:
Yes! Before I had kids I was a networking queen, I would go anywhere, at anytime, and meet with anyone and everyone! But after kids, it just wasn’t possible. Networking events always conflicted with a feeding schedule or a bus schedule or something. Online networking worked for me, and I guess I knew it would work for other mothers as well.
Noelle:
What can mompreneurs find on your site today?
Traci:
It’s really grown. It started out as a blog, but now there is a networking group and a co-op shop as well as tons of other resources.
Noelle:
It’s a really great site and I have personally found it really useful. What has been your biggest challenge in starting your own business?
Traci:
Oh, there have been so many! Balancing motherhood and a business is probably the biggest, but I’ve also had to deal with breaking up with a business partner and incurring great debt, yet I’m still here! The most important thing is that you learn from your mistakes and that you get wiser about where you go in business.
One important thing I learned as I went through some recent challenges is that marketing and public relations isn’t my passion. What I am doing with the mompreneurs is.
Noelle:
That’s great. I think every entrepreneur has an easier time when they are truly passionate about what they are doing. How has mompreneurship impacted your role as a mother? I think that there’s a myth that when you have your own business or you work from home, you will have a lot more free time. What do you think?
Traci:
Well, I don’t think I have more time with my kids on the whole, but I definitely have more quality time with them. I also have a lot of flexibility, and that is great.
Noelle:
How do you balance motherhood and a business?
Traci:
I try to train my clients and pick the right ones to begin with! It’s really important to have some structure. I have a message on my phone listing my office hours and indicating how long it will take me to return a call. That way my clients know what to expect.
I’m also really clear with my family – as to when they get me and when I need to be working. And, I am really lucky to have a great support group. My husband, my brother and my mother all really help out.
Noelle:
Yes, support is so key. And if you don’t have immediate family nearby, like me, you really need to get creative in building out a support network. What’s been your biggest surprise about mompreneurship?
Traci:
I am not sure there have been any big surprises, but I guess I’d say I was surprised by the overwhelming sense of freedom I felt when I left the corporate world behind. It felt like a huge sigh of relief to stop “working for the “man”.
Noelle:
Oh, I agree. Some days I really can’t believe how lucky I am to be able to make a living and enjoy such great freedom and flexibility. Do you have any advice for aspiring mompreneurs?
Traci:
I say if you are interested in being a mompreneur, go ahead and take the leap of faith! It’s kind of like what you hear when you are thinking about having a child. You can’t really read all you need to know in a book and you can’t fully prepare for it financially. You just need to go for it. Street knowledge really comes in handy.
I’d also say be sure to find some local support groups and get some business counseling. It’s really important to have an external team of people you can check in with.
Noelle:
Again, support really is key, especially when you are just getting started. I remember being full of self doubt when I was starting my business. I had some friends and colleagues that were real naysayers, but once I surrounded myself with the right group of women, women who had been there and done that, I began to believe I could succeed, and I did!
Are you seeing any trends in the market? If I am a mom looking to become self employed, where should I look?
Traci:
I’m seeing a lot of moms migrate to the virtual assistant industry. If you are a good multi-tasker, which many moms are, it’s an easy business to get started. And, based on your experience and knowledge, there is very likely a large target market for services.
I’m also seeing a great uptick in women getting into what I call “hobby businesses”. These are businesses you can start from home, like selling candles, Avon, or Send Out Cards. There is a whole system there and you are given great support and guidance. With all that structure its easy to be successful.
Noelle:
That’s a great idea. I so often think about service businesses being the easiest to start, I hadn’t really thought about hobby businesses. They really are great for moms!
In closing, tell me about some resources besides The Mom Entrepreneur, that you recommend for mompreneurs.
Traci:
Well, www.themomentrepreneur.com, is my favorite of course, but I also like Laura Galloway’s site, www.mombizcoach.com. She is a great business coach. She also has a radio show and a bunch of great videos on her site. And, I like Heather Allard’s site, www.themogulemom.com. She interviews a lot of great guests and features good business advice. Finally, when it comes to navigating the social networking scene in general, I love Chris Brogan too, www.chrisbrogan.com. I love social media and he is a real thought leader in this area.
Noelle:
Thanks so much for your time today Traci and thanks for all you do for the mompreneurs of the world!
Marketing is the life blood of any business – without it you simply won’t generate the revenue you need to STAY in business. However, marketing can be a scary process for some mompreneurs. It requires time and money, something we are often short of!
Lately, I’ve been collecting ideas on how to build and market my own business, and I thought I’d start sharing tips on free marketing and educational opportunities on this site. Here are a few I noticed over the past week. Check back soon for more!
Have A Story You Want to Share With Other Moms In Business?
Maybe you learned something you think others should know, or maybe you are an expert in a specific area and want to share your advice with other mom business owners. Write for Marketmommies.com! We are looking for moms to contribute to Marketmommies.com. We already have a great group of moms already at work – but would love to hear your story. Email: info@marketmommies.com, if you are interested in contributing!
Is your company Buzz Worthy?
Do you have a product/service that you feel is filling a niche in the market? How is your product different from your competition? For my Daily Buzz free PR newsletter, I write a post every Tuesday called Buzz Worthy. I’m looking for companies to showcase so let me know if your company has the right stuff to be featured on Buzz Worthy. And it helps if you are a Daily Buzz member. Sign up at here and shoot me an email once you receive your first Daily Buzz by simply replying to it. And spread the word about Build-A-Buzz.
Win a Trip to the Super Mom Entrepreneur Conference & Expo
The Super Mom Entrepreneur Conference & Expo will be held on 10/30/10 in NYC at The New Yorker Hotel. Whether you are an experienced mom entrepreneur, one who is just starting out, or a mom entrepreneur to be, this conference has got you covered.
In an effort to give more mothers an opportunity to experience the inspirational and transforming event, conference speakers and mom entrepreneurs Mindee Doney and Julie Pickens, the co-inventors of Boogie Wipes, are offering an all expenses paid trip to one lucky mom entrepreneur. All interested moms, whether they have a successful business, are a new start-up, or are thinking of starting a business down the road, are eligible to enter.
To be considered, visit the Boogie Moms’ blog between July 1st and September 1st, fill out the form and tell them a bit about your business or business idea, your goals, and how the Super Mom Entrepreneur conference would benefit you. The winner will be chosen by The Boogie Moms and will receive an all expenses paid trip, including airfare to the conference (from anywhere in the Continental US or Canada), lodging for two nights, conference registration fees, and two hours of business consulting time with Mindee and Julie, The Boogie Moms.
I love lists. I’m always creating them, often losing them, and hardly accomplishing them in their entirety – but I love them. That’s why I was really excited to come across a list of 200 great businesses you can start and run from home. I found it really inspiring, so I though I would share it with you. The list was featured in the book: The 200 Best Home Businesses by Katina Z. Jones.
Accountant
Adoption Agency
Advertising Agency
Advertising Sales Representative
Animal Breeder
Antiques Dealer
Apartment Preparation Service
Artists’/Photographers’ Agent
Arts Festival Promoter
Association Management Service
Auctioneer
Auditor
Automotive Detailing
Automotive Loan Broker
Automotive Maintenance
Automotive Paint Touch-Up Professional
Band Manager
Bankruptcy Service
Bartending Service
Bartering Service
Bed & Breakfast
Bicycle Rental
Boat Maintenance/Cleaning Service
Book Indexer
Book Packager
Bookkeeper
Bridal Consultant
Bridal Show Promoter
Building Maintenance Service
Business Broker
Business Form Production and Sales
Business Networking Service
Business Plan Writer
Cake Decorator
Calligrapher
Career Counselor
Carpet/Upholstery Cleaning
Catalog Retailer
Caterer
Childbirth Instructor
Child-Care Referral Service
Collectibles Broker
Collection Agency
College Application Consultant
College Internship Placement Service
Color Consultant
Commercial Cleaning Service
Commercial Photographer
Commercial Plant Watering Service
Computer Consultant
Computer Maintenance Service
Computer Programmer/Database Consultant
Computer Trainer
Concert Promoter
Consulting Engineer
Cooking Instructor
Corporate Art Consultant
Counselor/Psychologist
Courier Service
Credit Consultant
Damage Restoration Service
Dating Service
Day-Care Service (Child or Adult)
Desktop Publisher
Digital Imaging Service
Disability Consultant
Disc Jockey
Dog Trainer
Doll Repair Service
Draftsperson
e-Book Publisher
Efficiency Expert
Electrical Contractor
Employee Benefits Consultant
Employee Leasing
Engraving Service
Envelope Stuffing Service
Etiquette Advisor
Event Planner
Executive Search Firm
Fan Club Management
Fax-on-Demand Service
Feng Shui Consultant
Financial Aid Consultant
Financial Planner
First Aid/CPR Instructor
Food Item Manufacturer
Framing Service
Freelance Writer/Copyeditor/Illustrator
Gardening Consultant/Landscaper
Genealogical Service
Gerontology Consultant
Gift Basket Business
Government Contract Consulting
Grant Writer
Graphic Designer
Hairstylist
Handbill Distribution
Handyman Network
Home Business Consultant
Home Entertainment System Service
Home Health Care Service
Home Inspector
Home Preparation Service
Homeschooling Consultant
Image Consultant
Incorporation Service for Businesses
Insurance Agent
Interior Designer
Jewelry Designer
Knitting/Crocheting Instructor
Lactation Consultant
Laundry Service
Lawn Care Service
Lawyer
Licensing Agent
Literary Agent
Litigation Management Service
Magician
Mailing List Service
Makeup Artist
Management Consultant
Manicurist
Manufacturer’s Representative
Marketing Consultant
Massage Therapist
Meal to Go
Mediator
Medical Claims Processing
Medical Transcriptionist
Meeting Planner
Message Retrieval Serivce
Messenger Service
Mobile Paper-Shredding Service
Modeling Agency
Monogramming Service
Mortgage Loan Broker
Mover
Multilevel Marketing
Music Instructor/Professional Musician
Mystery Shopper
Nanny Service
Newspaper Delivery Service
Notary Public
Online Auction Consignment Service
Online Marketing Specialist
Online Message Board Manager
Online Retailer
Online Service Consultant
Outdoor Adventures
Outplacement Serivce
Paging Service
Party Planner
Personal Assistant
Personal Development Coach
Personal Instructor/Fitness Trainer
Personal Shopper
Pet Grooming
Political Campaign Manager
Pool Maintenance
Printing Broker
Private Tutor
Product Designer
Professional Organizer
Property Management Service
Public Pay Phone Service
Public Relations Consultant
Publisher of Personalized Children’s Books
Rare Book Dealer
Real Estate Broker
Relocation Consultant
Repair Service
Resume Service
Retirement Planner
Reunion Organizer
Roommate Referral Service
Rubber Stamp Business
Sales of Novelty and Promotional Products
Sales Representative
Sales Trainer
Seamstress
Secretarial Service
Seminar Service
Silk Flower Arranger
Small Business Consultant
Standardized Test Preparatory Services
Stock Photography Service
Systems Integrator
Tax Preparation Service
Telemarketing Service
Temporary Employment Agency
Ticket Broker
Time-Management Specialist
Trademark Agent
Translation Services
Travel Agent
Upholsterer
Used Computer Sales
Vacation Rentals Broker
Vacuum Cleaner Repair
Vending Machine Service
Videographer
Web Site Developer
Window Treatment Specialist
Word-Processing Service
Workers’ Compensation Consultant
Holly Reisem Hanna and is the founder of ‘The Work at Home Woman’, a website dedicated to helping women and moms fulfill their dreams of working at home and/or becoming self employed, while providing inspiration, motivation and support.
Holly is a true inspiration for moms struggling to translate their traditional career skills into a creative service-based business. She has successfully taken the important research skills she gained during her years as a nurse and converted them into a business that helps other women start their own businesses.
Read on to learn more.
From Nursing to Networking
An Interview with Holly Reisem Hanna
Noelle:
How did you decide to start The Work at Home Woman? What were you doing beforehand that led you to this idea?
Holly:
I didn’t initially start out wanting to be an entrepreneur. Before my first daughter was born in 2007, I had a full time job as an RN Clinical Research Coordinator. But, from the minute my daughter was placed in my arms, I knew that I would not be able to return to my full-time job. I decided at that point to become a full-time stay a home mom.
However, after 9 months as a stay at home mom I got motivated to find a way to make some extra money from home. I started asking past employers and friends if there was any work that I could do for them while caring for my daughter at home. My networking efforts paid off and in December 2007, I started working from home by completing marketing research, establishing joint ventures and working as a social network liaison for a small publishing company that a friend was working for.
Noelle:
Wow. So ‘The Work at Home Woman’ website wasn’t actually your first business!
Holly:
Not actually! During the time I spent looking for work at home opportunities I learned a lot of valuable marketing skills and became very familiar with the work at home market. This knowledge motivated me to find a way to help other women and mothers find work at home opportunities, so I decided to create the ‘The Work at Home Woman’ website. Today, I still do some work as a social network liaison in addition to running the site.
Noelle:
What a great idea you had! The site is truly a great resource for women looking for work at home opportunities. How long did it take you to put together ‘The Work at Home Woman’ website?
Holly:
It took me 16 months to launch the site. I launched it on March 19, 2009 and I have been growing the business ever since.
Noelle:
Super! You mentioned however that you still working part time as a social networking liaison. I think it’s important that people realize you are essentially working two jobs at once while the site is in its start-up phase. Sometimes that is what you need to do!
Holly:
For sure, but I’m passionate about building a career from this site and it’s worth the extra work.
Noelle:
How will you generate income from the site?
Holly:
I did a lot of research on how to make money with a website, and I think advertising and affiliate marketing are the best way to generate income from a website.
Noelle:
Well, that’s awesome. Have you replaced your former income with your new businesses?
Holly:
I haven’t yet replaced my former salary, but I am also not working as much as I used to. I have income coming in, and although it may not be as much as I want it to be, I think the most important thing is that I enjoy what I do!
Noelle:
So true! What has been your biggest challenge as a mompreneur?
Holly:
The biggest challenge is certainly having enough time! I have a busy two year old to keep up with!
Noelle:
How do you manage childcare? I know that’s a great concern to the aspiring mompreneurs I work with.
Holly:
I build my work schedule around my daughter’s schedule. I always try to spend some time working before she wakes up. I also do additional work while she naps. However, as she gets older, her schedule continues to change, and I am currently evaluating a Mother’s Morning Out program that would give me set number of hours to work two days per week.
Mompreneurs with young children need to know that their children’s routines will constantly change. It’s important to remain flexible and modify your work habits as you go.
Noelle:
I agree. What’s been your biggest surprise about mompreneurship?
Holly:
I’ve been really surprised that I don’t miss the social interaction I had during my former career as much as I thought I would. My current business gives me the opportunity to interact with so many moms both online and in person. I also really enjoy working from home. I can get so much done in a short period of time without the interruptions!
One thing that isn’t is a surprise, is that I got rid of a major commute and I don’t miss that at all!
Noelle:
Ha! I’m so glad to hear you don’t feel you are lacking social interaction as a work from home mom. One of the things we mention in our book is that working at home can get lonely, but it’s great to see that you have been able to avoid that through aggressive networking. Do you have any final advice for aspiring mompreneurs?
Holly:
Sure. Now is a great time to start a work from home business. There are plenty of great opportunities out there. Some hot industries include virtual assistants, copy writers and social network marketing consultants. If it’s your goal to launch a work from home business, do one thing to move that goal ahead today!
Noelle:
Thanks Holly! I encourage all readers interested in starting a work at home business to visit your website today.
